Mathis has yet to start, but spelled a struggling Darius Slay at right cornerback in the fourth quarter of the opener against Minnesota and in the second quarter last week against Arizona.

He could find himself in the starting lineup Sunday against Washington (0-2).

"I'm here to make plays," he said. "I'm here to help this team, so whatever role that is. If it's being the kicker, I'll be the kicker."

Mathis is an 11th-year veteran who had some wonderful years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, including a Pro Bowl season in 2006.

But he was limited to 13 starts the past two seasons due to an ACL injury, and Jacksonville let him walk after 2012.

In the twilight of his career, Mathis has found new life as Detroit's utility man in the secondary. He's emerged as a viable starting option at right cornerback, while also contributing in nickel and dime subpackages and as a reserve safety.

He's playing a larger role than could have been imagined when he was among six players who signed in the aftermath of a debacle against Cleveland in the preseason.

Now he's an every down player, outperforming the precocious rookie a decade his junior.

"I've always stressed a healthy Rashean is a good Rashean," Mathis said.

Mathis, though, also has embraced the younger defensive backs and has helped them work through their ups and downs. When a guy such as Bill Bentley struggles in the nickel, as he did mightily last week against Arizona, Mathis is there to impart advice.

"I've had a lot of great veterans when I cam in the league as a rookie, as a young guy," Mathis said. "And my role now is to be the best I can be as a player, but also as a mentor. That's my role, and that's my goal."

That's big for a youngster such as Bentley, whose psyche could be damaged after committing an egregious pass interference penalty that completed the Lions' self destruction in Arizona.

"Bentley and I stay after and watch film together," Mathis said. "We stay out and practice little drills together as well. It' just part of the process. You're going to live and learn, and as a DB, we have to live and learn a lot, because a lot comes at us, and we have to understand that. Other than the quarterback, I feel we have the hardest job on the field."

Mathis has stabilized Detroit's current secondary as a super utility player, and helped ensure its future by developing the young guns along the way.